Summer Project Alert: Fairy Gardens
By: Brian Puckett, Vice Chairman Helena Beautification Board
School is now out for the summer and you have 3 months to keep your kids enthralled, happy and continue learning. There is no better way to fill all of these gaps than creating a fairy garden.
It is quickly becoming a gardening rage with the ability be compact, kid friendly and allow creativity for all ages. The name Fairy Garden can be somewhat of a misconception in that you don’t have to put a plastic fairy figurine in it to be one. Originally starting out in the late 1800’s in the Japanese culture using Bonsai dishes to create elegant miniature creations has now turned into a craze that allows people to be free with their creativity.
So what better way to keep your kids (and yourself) going all summer than creating your own fairy garden. Not many things could be easier with you starting out with any kind of small container you decide. Whether is a small glass bowl to an old wash pan, you let your own style take over.
It is quickly becoming a gardening rage with the ability be compact, kid friendly and allow creativity for all ages. The name Fairy Garden can be somewhat of a misconception in that you don’t have to put a plastic fairy figurine in it to be one. Originally starting out in the late 1800’s in the Japanese culture using Bonsai dishes to create elegant miniature creations has now turned into a craze that allows people to be free with their creativity.
So what better way to keep your kids (and yourself) going all summer than creating your own fairy garden. Not many things could be easier with you starting out with any kind of small container you decide. Whether is a small glass bowl to an old wash pan, you let your own style take over.
Here are the easy steps for you to create the ultimate fairy garden for the summer.
1. Find your container that will quickly become the base of your creation.
2. Plan out the design. Place where you think everything should go in your magical land. This includes your fixtures (miniature house, cars, windmill, etc.), pebbles and all of the plants you want to plant.
3. Now that you have everything laid out just perfect…take a picture of it. You will use this later.
4. Take everything out of your container and fill it up with potting soil.
5. Dirt is in so now it’s time to put all of your fun stuff back in place.
6. Plants. The important part that makes this a garden. Take each plant out of the little pot that it came in to prepare to plant. As you are planting the plants be sure to tickle the roots of each plant to get it excited to be planted.
7. Make any last adjustments and water fairy garden for the first time.
8. Now it is time to sit back and enjoy your amazing creation.
It is that easy. Now let your imagination run free and be sure to post all of the fun fairy gardens you create.
2. Plan out the design. Place where you think everything should go in your magical land. This includes your fixtures (miniature house, cars, windmill, etc.), pebbles and all of the plants you want to plant.
3. Now that you have everything laid out just perfect…take a picture of it. You will use this later.
4. Take everything out of your container and fill it up with potting soil.
5. Dirt is in so now it’s time to put all of your fun stuff back in place.
6. Plants. The important part that makes this a garden. Take each plant out of the little pot that it came in to prepare to plant. As you are planting the plants be sure to tickle the roots of each plant to get it excited to be planted.
7. Make any last adjustments and water fairy garden for the first time.
8. Now it is time to sit back and enjoy your amazing creation.
It is that easy. Now let your imagination run free and be sure to post all of the fun fairy gardens you create.
About the Author
A twelve-year resident of Helena, Brian is actively involved in civic and faith based initiatives and is currently serving as Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Helena Beautification Board, Secretary of the Helena Elementary PTO, and a second term on the Riverchase Business Association Board of Directors, where his eye for design has help lead the Riverchase ARC. Brian has an MBA and works at Regions Bank. Mr. Puckett is married with two daughters. With a knack for design, Brian makes ideas come to life. His eye for detail bodes well from small planter flower selections to grandiose projects. A skilled woodcrafter, he recently showcased his skills in the various holiday displays throughout Old Town.